Youngsville Borough officials are considering tax increases.
During Monday's meeting of Youngsville Borough Council, members discussed the possibility of raising revenue in the budget process. Scott Nelson of the borough's Recreation Commission said the current recreation plan is about to expire and needs to be replaced.
On election day, Nelson said, he helped poll people as they came to vote about adding a recreation fee. Of the 201 people asked, he said, 89 percent were in favor.
Rob Olson, council member, asked what they would have to do to legally implement such a tax. Solicitor Tim Bevevino said it would require passing an ordinance.
Lisa Hagberg, borough manager, said millage increases also came up at the last budget meeting. Any changes would have to be advertised.
Pam Olewine, council member, said the recreation fee should not start out any higher than $75. Steve Morris, council member, said a recreation fee would make people pay twice: once for the fee and again for a season pool pass.
"I don't like double dipping," John Barhydt, council member, said.
Of the season passes sold for the pool, Hagberg said less than 50 percent go to borough residents.
Olson proposed a three-mill tax increase along with a $75 recreation tax. Before seeing a comprehensive study, Barhydt said he couldn't support increases.
"We'd all be lynched if we did that," Olewine said.
Doug Peterson, council member, said there should be one increase or another. However, he did not support having both.
Mayor Jim Farr said if there was a recreation fee the borough wouldn't have to take $20,000 each year out of the general fund for the pool. In addition, Barhydt said, the Public Works Department contributes a lot of manpower towards the pool as well as ballfields.
"I suppose recreation could be another fund," Hagberg said.
A separate account would prevent the funds from being divided when priorities change 10 years or 15 years later. Essentially, Barhydt said, it protects the fund.
Members planned to have a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at the borough building to continue the discussion about a possible tax increase.